Network capacity planning

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods and interfaces are provided for the modeling of network data capacity for a network corresponding to a set of nodes interconnected via point-to-point network paths. A network capacity processing system obtains demand estimates for the nodes and network paths of the network. The network capacity processing system then identifies a set of failure scenarios for the network nodes and network paths. The network capacity processing system then generates of a set of processing results corresponding to load estimates for the network paths of the network and based on applying the set of failure scenarios to the model of network data capacity. Utilizing data capacity models, failure scenarios and set of processing results, the network capacity processing system can provide for network capacity planning or contingency planning.

BACKGROUND

Generally described, computing devices utilize a communication network,or a series of communication networks, to exchange data. Companies andorganizations operate computer networks that interconnect a number ofcomputing devices to support operations or provide services to thirdparties. The computing systems can be located in a single geographiclocation or located in multiple, distinct geographic locations (e.g.,interconnected via private or public communication networks).Specifically, data centers or data processing centers, herein generallyreferred to as a “data center,” may include a number of interconnectedcomputing systems to provide computing resources to users of the datacenter. The data centers may be private data centers operated on behalfof an organization or public data centers operated on behalf, or for thebenefit of, the general public.

For organizations providing data center functionality or organizationsutilizing data functionality, such as in commerce applications, networkcapacity for facilitating the exchange of data can be a key concern. Insome situations, the ordering and implementation of network equipmentcan require months of lead time and significant capital investments.Accordingly, in one approach, communication network providers may makeadvanced investments in equipment and processes that require a longerlead time or in the event of an order backlog. However, advancedinvestments in equipment can be inefficient and result in overbuildingor overproduction of network capacity. In another approach,communication network providers can manually estimate network equipmentcapacity or utilization and project network equipment needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisdisclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same becomebetter understood by reference to the following detailed description,when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative environment fornetwork capacity management;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrative a model of a set of networknodes interconnected via network paths;

FIG. 2B1 is a diagram of a table illustrating the mapping ofpoint-to-point demand between the network nodes of the model of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2B2 is a diagram of a table illustrating the projection of load onthe network paths between network nodes of the model of FIG. 2Aaccording to the demand illustrated in FIG. 2B1;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of the network model of FIG. 2A illustratingthe modeling of a failure scenario;

FIGS. 2D1-2D4 are diagrams illustrating a set of failure matrices forapproximating at least a portion of the routing of data traffic onnetwork paths between network nodes for the failure scenario of FIG. 2C;

FIG. 2E is a diagram of the table of FIG. 2B illustrating the projectionof load on network paths between network nodes of FIG. 2A based onapplication of the failure matrices corresponding to a failure scenario;

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrative a model of a set of networknodes interconnected via network paths;

FIG. 3B1 is a diagram of a table illustrating the mapping ofpoint-to-point demand between the network nodes of the model of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3B2 is a diagram of a table illustrating the modeling of load onthe network paths between nodes of the model of FIG. 3A according to thedemand illustrated in FIG. 2B1;

FIG. 3C is a block diagram of the network model of FIG. 3A illustratingthe modeling of a failure scenario;

FIGS. 3D1-3D8 are diagrams illustrating a set of failure matrices forapproximating at least a portion of the routing of data traffic onnetwork paths between network nodes for the failure scenario of FIG. 3C;

FIG. 3E is a diagram of the table of FIG. 3B illustrating the projectionof load on network paths between network nodes of FIG. 3C based onapplication of the failure matrices corresponding to a failure scenario;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a network load capacity processing routineimplemented by network capacity processing system; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a screen display illustrating an exemplaryuser interface providing failure scenario information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally described, the present disclosure relates to network capacitymodeling and data processing. More specifically, aspects of the presentdisclosure relate to the modeling of network data link or path loadestimates for a network corresponding to a set of nodes interconnectedvia point-to-point network paths. Additional aspects of the presentdisclosure relate to the modeling of routing of data packets between oneor more network nodes and responsive to a set of failure scenarios.Still further aspects of the present disclosure relate to the generationof a set of processing results based on applying the set of modeledfailure scenarios to the model of network data demand estimates.Finally, aspects of the present disclosure relate to the utilization ofthe network data demand estimates, models of failure scenarios and setof processing results for network capacity planning or contingencyplanning. Although aspects of the present disclosure will be describedwith regard to illustrative network models and communication paths,capacity measurements, user displays and processing results, one skilledin the relevant art will appreciate that the disclosed embodiments areillustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting.

With reference to FIG. 1, an illustrative environment for networkcapacity management system 100 is provided. The network capacitymanagement system 100 includes a network capacity processing system 102.Illustratively, the network capacity processing system 102 can obtainnetwork capacity demand data for an identified communication network orportion of a network. The identified communication network (or portionthereof) can be illustratively modeled as a collection of network nodesand point-to-point network paths. The network capacity demand data canbe observed or measured in accordance with utilization of thecommunication network. Additionally, at least some portion of thenetwork capacity demand data can be constructed based on processingmeasured data inputs. Illustratively, the network capacity demand datacorresponds to data between the identified network nodes of thecommunication network. Using the network capacity demand data as input,the network capacity processing system 102 can generate estimates ofloads on network paths, or links, between the network nodes.

The network capacity processing system 102 also obtains or determinesfailure scenarios for a network capacity model and generates failurematrices corresponding to an anticipated or modeled result of thefailure scenario on the point-to-point network paths in the modelednetwork. Still further, the network capacity processing system 102processes the network capacity demand data with the generated set offailure scenarios to generate or identify the anticipated result ofprojected network load on the network paths between network nodes (e.g.,the link or load path) in each of the network failure scenarios.Finally, the network capacity processing system 102 can further processthe anticipated result of network capacity to facilitate networkcapacity planning.

Illustratively, the network capacity processing system 102 can includean interface component 104 and a capacity processing component 106,alone or in combination, to facilitate one or more of the aboveidentified functions of the network capacity processing system 102.Additionally, although the network capacity processing system 102 isillustrated as a single system or component of the network capacitymanagement system 100, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciatethat the network capacity processing system 102 can be implemented byany number of computing devices or hardware components. Still further,the network capacity processing system 102 can be implemented as serviceor functionality that is implemented or invoked by utilization ofapplication programming interfaces (“APIs”) or other communicationprotocols utilized in conjunction with a communication network 108, suchas the Internet, private networks, and the like. Although the networkcapacity processing system 102 relates to the processing of networkcapacity of a target communication network, or portion thereof, thenetwork capacity processing system 102 does not need to be in directcommunication with the target communication network nor have access(either directly or indirectly) with the target communication network.Accordingly, a target communication network may include a number ofother computing device and network components and is not represented inFIG. 1.

In one embodiment, the network capacity processing system 102 may be incommunication with a number of computing devices to facilitateinteraction or processing of network capacity information. In oneaspect, the network capacity processing system 102 may be incommunication with one or more communication network providers 110. Thecommunication network provider 110 may provide direct access to targetcommunication networks or provide information related to a targetcommunication networks. The communication network provider 110 can alsoprovide interfaces between a network administrator associated with atarget communication network and the network capacity processing system102. The network capacity management system 100 can also include one ormore client computing devices 112 that provide information to thenetwork capacity processing system 102 or obtain information networkcapacity processing system, but that may not be directly associatedwith, or provided by a target communication network.

One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the networkcapacity processing system 102, communication network 108, communicationnetwork provider 112 and client computing devices 112 may be configuredin a variety of ways and may be dependent on specific function and roleof the network capacity processing system 102. Such different oralternative configurations should be considered to be within the scopeof the present disclosures. Still further, although the components ofthe network capacity management system 100 have been generally referredto as systems, components or devices, one skilled in the relevant artwill appreciate that the implementation of any referenced system,component or device may include necessary hardware, such a processingunits, memory, buses, network components, etc. and could incorporateadditional software applications or network protocols to achieve thedescribed function.

With reference now to FIG. 2A-2E, an illustrative network capacityplanning and failure analysis process for a target communication networkwill be described. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate, thatthe disclosed target communication network model, network demandinformation, anticipated routing predictions, and failure scenarios aremerely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting.With reference to FIG. 2A, an illustrative model 200 of a targetcommunication network includes a number of network nodes 202, 204, and206. The nodes are in communication via directional-based,point-to-point network paths 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218. Asillustrated in FIG. 2A, each network node has a point-to-point networkpath to the other nodes in the target communication network. However, atarget communication network (and its corresponding network model) mayinclude single directional point-to-point network paths. Additionally, atarget communication network (and its corresponding network model) maybe made up of a larger number of network nodes in which at least some ofthe network nodes do not have any point-to-point network paths betweenthem. Still further, one or more network nodes may have more than onepoint-to-point network path to another network node in the communicationnetwork. Additionally, although the point-to-point network paths areconsidered to be direct between nodes, one skilled in the relevant artwill appreciate that various networking devices may be utilized andimplemented between the network nodes to facilitate the identifiednetwork paths. Still further, one skilled in the relevant art willappreciate that although one or more network paths may exist betweennetwork nodes, the load experienced at each network path may not beequally distributed and some network paths may not experience any load.

With reference to FIGS. 2B1 and 2B2, in an illustrative embodiment, thenetwork capacity processing system 102 obtains or measures demandrelated to the exchange of data (e.g., data packets) between the networknodes (202, 204, 206) along the identified point-to-point network paths(208-218). The demand information may correspond to real time demandinformation, partial real-time demand information, extrapolatedinformation, or statistically processed information. Still further,demand information may correspond to estimated demand in accordance withprojected business cases. Illustratively, the demand information may berepresented in terms of a variety of units of measurement. Asillustrated in FIG. 2B1, a table 220 includes a series of rows 222, 224,226 and columns 228, 230, 232 that form a matrix of the measured demandor load information between pairs of nodes in the model 200. In someembodiments, the table 220 may be populated with default values ornormalized values for demand between any two identified nodes in themodel. The default or normalized values may be updated with actualmeasured values, replaced with actual measured values, or replaced withforecasted future values.

With reference now to FIG. 2B2, using the demand (FIG. 2B1) as an input,a table 236 of the modeled link load or network load can be generated.Illustratively, demand may be considered static for purposes of themodeling of various effects on various failure scenarios. Table 236includes entries 28, 240, 242, 244, 246, and 248 for each identifiablelink in the modeled network 200 that identify the modeled load for arespective link based on the demand. Illustratively, table 236corresponds to the modeled load based on a non-failure scenario.Accordingly, the modeled load for each network path is similar to arespective entry in the demand table 220. However, the modeled load doesnot have to equate to demand, even in non-failure scenarios.

Turning now to FIGS. 2C-2E, in aspect of the present disclosure, thenetwork capacity processing system 102 can generate a series of failurescenarios for the modeled, target communication network. For example, aset of failure scenarios can correspond to the anticipated effect of thefailure of each of the one or more of the point-to-point network paths,the failure of the point-to-point network paths between two networksnodes, the failure of groupings of point-to-point network paths, andcombinations thereof. Illustratively, the anticipated failure scenariois based on the modeled network 200 utilizing communication routingprotocols, such as Open Shortest Path First (“OSPF”), in which therouting of data packets between nodes along point-to-point network pathsis independent of the current demand at the node. However, in otherembodiments, the anticipated failure scenario can be based on themodeled network 200 utilizing a communication routing protocol in whichrouting decisions are based, at least in part, on traffic awareness ortraffic reservation.

In an illustrative embodiment, the anticipated failure scenario can berepresented as a set of matrices, in which each matrix in the set ofmatrices is reflective of the data packet routing effects that willlikely be experienced along one or more of the point-to-point networkpaths. As will be described in greater detail below, the set of matricescan be applied to the previously determined demand information, asillustrated in FIG. 2B1, for the target communication network. Theresult of such an application can correspond to the generation of a newtable of estimates reflective of the anticipated load at one or more ofthe point-to-point network paths in the event of the specified failuremodeled in the failure scenario. The process is then repeated for eachfailure scenario in the set of failure scenario.

With reference to FIG. 2C, assume one of the failure scenarios in anillustrative set of failure scenarios corresponds to the failure of thepoint-to-point network path 208 and point-to-point network path 210,both of which represent a respective directional network path betweennode 202 (“A”) and node 204 (“B”). Additionally, assume that based onthe routing protocol implemented in the model network 200, theanticipated effect of a failure along path 208 in the modeled failurewould result in the diversion of data traffic along path 214, which isbetween node 202 and node 206 and path 218 which is between node 206 and204. Additionally, assume that the anticipated effect of a failure ofpath 210 would result in the diversion of data traffic along path 216,which is between node 204 and node 206, and path 212, which is betweennode 206 and 202.

In an illustrative embodiment, a series of matrices for modeling theanticipated routing results at the plurality of network nodes andpoint-to-point network paths in the network model 200. The series ofmatrices include a matrix for each point-to-point network path in thenetwork model 200. Each matrix is populated with proportional amount ofthe estimated demand that may be experienced by correspondingpoint-to-point network path, which may or may be equally distributed.The values in each of the matrices can be represented as a range ofnumerical values representative of a percentage or proportion of thepreviously estimated traffic demand that would be experienced at thepath based on the modeled failure. For example, a range of values can befrom “0” to “1” in which the sum of all the values across the set ofmatrices for a failure scenario correspond to a value of less than orequal to one.

With reference to FIG. 2D1, a matrix 250 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path214, link A-C. Illustratively, all of the inter-node traffic demands inthe model network 200 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix 250. Asillustrated in FIG. 2D1, the matrix 250 indicates at cell 252 that thepoint-to-point network path 214 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic demand attributed between node A 202 and node B 204. This demandwas previously attributed to point-to-point network path 208, link A-Bin FIG. 2B2. Additionally, the matrix 250 indicates at cell 254 that thepoint-to-point network path 214 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic demand attributed between node A 202 and node C 206 (FIG. 2B2).

With reference to FIG. 2D2, a matrix 256 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path218, link C-B. In a similar manner, all of inter-node traffic demands inthe model network 200 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix 256. Asillustrated in FIG. 2D2, the matrix 256 indicates at cell 258 that thepoint-to-point network path 218 would likely receive 100% (e.g., a valueof “1”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node A 202 andnode B 204. Similar to matrix 204, this demand was previously attributedto point-to-point network path 208, link A-B in FIG. 2B2. Additionally,the matrix 256 indicates at cell 260 that the point-to-point networkpath 218 would likely receive 100% of the data traffic previously demandattributed between node C 206 and node B 204 (FIG. 2B2).

With reference to FIG. 2D3, a matrix 262 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path216, link B-C. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 200 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix262. As illustrated in FIG. 2D3, the matrix 262 indicates at cell 264that the point-to-point network path 216 would likely receive 100%(e.g., a value of “1”) of the data traffic demand attributed betweennode B 204 and node A 202. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 210, link B-A (FIG. 2B2). Additionally, thematrix 262 indicates at cell 266 that the point-to-point network path216 would likely receive 100% of the data traffic demand attributedbetween node B 204 and node C 206.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 2D4, a matrix 268 can be generated thatmodels the effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario forpath 212, link C-A. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 200 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix268. As illustrated in FIG. 2D4, the matrix 268 indicates at cell 270that the point-to-point network path 216 would likely receive 100%(e.g., a value of “1”) of the data traffic demand attributed betweennode B 204 and node A 202. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 210, link B-A (FIG. 2B2). Additionally, thematrix 268 indicates at cell 272 that the point-to-point network path212 would receive 100% of the data traffic previously demand attributedbetween node C 206 and node A 202.

With reference to FIG. 2E, illustratively, the capacity processingcomponent 108 (FIG. 1) applies matrices 250, 256, 262, 268(FIGS.2D1-2D4) to the demand estimates 220 (FIG. 2B1) to generate a new table274 of network path load for the modeled network 200. In thisembodiment, capacity processing component 106 generates a sum of theapplication of the matrices 250, 256, 262, 268 to generate theanticipated effect of routing results based on the modeled failure,table 274. As illustrated in FIG. 2E, each network path that would beanticipated to receive an increase or decrease is identified.Specifically, table 274 includes entries 276, 278, 280, 282, 284, and286 for each identifiable link in the modeled network 200 that identifythe modeled load for a respective link based on the demand. Accordingly,the modeled load for each network path illustrates the anticipatedeffect on the previously modeled load on the network paths, asillustrated in table 236 (FIG. 2B2), and responsive to the failurescenario.

With reference now to FIG. 3A-3E, another illustrative network capacityplanning and failure analysis process for a target communication networkwill be described. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate, thatthe disclosed target communication network model, capacity information,and failure predictions are merely illustrative in nature and should notbe construed as limiting. With reference to FIG. 3A, an illustrativemodel 300 of a target communication network includes a number of networknodes 302, 304, 306, and 308. The nodes are in communication viadirectional-based, point-to-point network paths 310, 312, 314, 316, 318,320, 322, 324, 326, and 328. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, most of thenetwork nodes have a point-to-point network path to the other nodes inthe target communication network, with the exception of node 304 to node308. However, a target communication network (and its correspondingnetwork model) may include single directional point-to-point networkpaths. Additionally, a target communication network (and itscorresponding network model) may be made up of a larger number ofnetwork nodes in which at least some of the network nodes do not haveany point-to-point network paths. Still further, although thepoint-to-point network paths are considered to be direct between nodes,one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that various networkingdevices may be utilized and implemented between the network nodes tofacilitate the identified network paths. As previously discussed,although a network path, or point-to-point link, may exist betweennodes, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that traffic maynot be routed along each possible path or that a disproportionate amountof traffic may be routed along a single point-to-point link for variousreasons, such as a lower capacity of the point-to-point link.

With reference to FIGS. 3B1 and 3B2, in an illustrative embodiment, thenetwork capacity processing system 102 obtains or measures demandrelated to the exchange of data (e.g., data packets) between the networknodes (302, 304, 306, and 308) along the identified point-to-pointnetwork paths (310-328). The demand information may correspond to realtime demand information, partial real-time demand information,extrapolated information, or statistically processed information. Aspreviously described, demand information may correspond to estimateddemand in accordance with projected business cases. Illustratively, thedemand information may be represented in terms of a variety of units ofmeasurement. As illustrated in FIG. 3B1, a table 330 includes a seriesof rows 331, 332, 333, and 334 and columns 335, 336, 337, and 338 thatform a matrix of the measure demand for between the nodes in the model300. In some embodiments, the table 330 may be populated with defaultvalues or normalized values for demand between any two identified nodesin the model. The default or normalized values may be updated withactual measured values, replaced with actual measured values, orreplaced with forecasted future values. Additionally, the table 330 canidentify demand (332, 337) and (333, 336) between nodes, such as node304 “E” and node 308 “F”, even though the network model 300 does notinclude a direct point-to-point path between the nodes.

With reference now to FIG. 3B2, using the demand (FIG. 3B1) as an input,a table 330 of the modeled link load or network load can be generated.Illustratively, demand may be considered static for purposes of themodeling various effects on various failure scenarios. Table 339includes entries 340-349 for each identifiable link in the modelednetwork 300 that identify the modeled load for a respective link basedon the demand. Illustratively, table 339 corresponds to the modeled loadbased on a non-failure scenario. Accordingly, the modeled load for eachnetwork path is similar to a respective entry in the demand table 330.Additionally, at least some portion of the load estimated for somenetwork paths incorporates demand attributed between node F 306 and nodeE 304, since no direct network path exists between these two nodes. Asdescribed above, the modeled load does not have to equate to demand,even in non-failure scenarios.

With reference to FIG. 3C and similar to FIG. 2C, assume for one of thefailure scenarios in an illustrative set of failure scenarioscorresponds to the failure of the point-to-point network path 310 andpoint-to-point network path 312, both of which represent a respectivedirectional path between node 302 (“A”) and node 304 (“B”).Additionally, assume that the anticipated effect of such of the failurewould result in the diversion of different percentages of the datatraffic originally estimated for either path 310 or path 312. Aspreviously discussed, the anticipated effect of a failure scenario canbe modeled as a set of matrices, in which each matrix is populated witha proportional amount of the demand information on the assumption thatone or more network paths (or other criteria) is no longer available.

With reference to FIG. 3D1, a matrix 350 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path316, link G-E. Illustratively, all of the inter-node traffic demands inthe model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix 350.Similar to the matrices of FIGS. 2D1-2D4, values in the matrix 350 canbe represented as a range of numerical values representative of apercentage or proportion of the previously estimated data traffic thatwould be experienced at the path based on the modeled failure. Asillustrated in FIG. 3D1, the matrix 350 indicates at cell 354 that thepoint-to-point network path 316 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic demand attributed between node D 302 and node E 304. This demandwas previously attributed to point-to-point network path 312, link D-Ein FIG. 3B2. The matrix 350 indicates at cell 353 that thepoint-to-point network path 316 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic demand attributed between node F 308 and node E 304. 50% of thisdemand was previously carried by point-to-point network path 316, and50% of this demand was previously attributed to point-to-point networkpath 310, link D-E in FIG. 3B2. Additionally, the matrix 350 indicatesat cell 352 that the point-to-point network path 316 would likelyreceive 100% of the data traffic previously demand attributed betweennode G 306 and node E 304 (FIG. 3B2).

With reference to FIG. 3D2, a matrix 356 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path314, link E-G. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix356. As illustrated in FIG. 3D2, the matrix 356 indicates at cell 358that the point-to-point network path 314 would likely receive 100%(e.g., a value of “1”) of the data traffic demand attributed betweennode E 304 and node D 302. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 312, link E-D (FIG. 3B2). The matrix 356indicates at cell 359 that the point-to-point network path 314 wouldlikely receive 100% of the data traffic demand attributed between node E304 and node F 308. 50% of this demand was previously carried bypoint-to-point network path 314, and 50% of this demand was previouslyattributed to point-to-point network path 312, link E-D in FIG. 3B2.Additionally, the matrix 356 indicates at cell 360 that thepoint-to-point network path 314 would receive 100% of the data trafficdemand attributed between node E 304 and node G 306.

With reference to FIG. 3D3, a matrix 362 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path320, link G-F. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix362. As illustrated in FIG. 3D3, the matrix 362 indicates at cell 366that the point-to-point network path 320 would likely receive 30% (e.g.,a value of “0.3”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node E304 and node D 302. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 312, link E-D (FIG. 3B2). Illustratively,the diversion of the percentage of traffic between paths 320 and 326 canbe attributed to the modeled routing protocol or various configurationsthat can be applied in accordance with the modeled routing protocol. Thematrix 362 indicates at cell 365 that the point-to-point network path320 would likely receive 100% of the data traffic demand attributedbetween node E 304 and node F 308. 50% of this demand was previouslycarried by point-to-point network path 314, and 50% of this demand waspreviously attributed to point-to-point network path 312, link E-D inFIG. 3B2. Additionally, the matrix 362 indicates at cell 364 that thepoint-to-point network path 320 would receive 100% of the data trafficdemand attributed between node G 306 and node F 308.

With reference to FIG. 3D4, a matrix 368 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path326, link G-D. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix368. As illustrated in FIG. 3D4, the matrix 368 indicates at cell 372that the point-to-point network path 326 would likely receive 70% (e.g.,a value of “0.7”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node E304 and node D 302 (FIG. 3B2). This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 312, link E-D. As described above, thediversion of the percentage of traffic between paths 320 and 326 can beattributed to the modeled routing protocol or various configurationsthat can be applied in accordance with the modeled routing protocol.Additionally, the matrix 368 indicates at cell 370 that thepoint-to-point network path 326 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic previously demand attributed between node G 306 and node D 302(FIG. 3B2).

With reference to FIG. 3D5, a matrix 374 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path324, link D-F. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix374. As illustrated in FIG. 3D5, the matrix 374 indicates at cell 378that the point-to-point network path 324 would likely receive 50% (e.g.,a value of “0.5”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node D302 and node E 304. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 310, link D-E (FIG. 3B2). Illustratively,the diversion of the percentage of traffic between paths 324 and 328 canbe attributed to the modeled routing protocol or various configurationsthat can be applied in accordance with the modeled routing protocol.Additionally, the matrix 374 indicates at cell 376 that thepoint-to-point network path 324 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic demand attributed between node D 302 and node F 308 (FIG. 3B2).

With reference to FIG. 3D6, a matrix 380 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path328, link D-G. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix380. As illustrated in FIG. 3D6, the matrix 380 indicates at cell 382that the point-to-point network path 328 would likely receive 50% (e.g.,a value of “0.5”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node D302 and node E 304. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 310, link D-E (FIG. 3B2). Illustratively,the diversion of the percentage of traffic between paths 324 and 328 canbe attributed to the modeled routing protocol or various configurationsthat can be applied in accordance with the modeled routing protocol.Additionally, the matrix 380 indicates at cell 384 that thepoint-to-point network path 328 would likely receive 100% of the datatraffic demand attributed between node D 302 and node G 306 (FIG. 3B2).

With reference to FIG. 3D7, a matrix 386 can be generated that modelsthe effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario for path322, link F-D. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix386. As illustrated in FIG. 3D7, the matrix 386 indicates at cell 388that the point-to-point network path 322 would likely receive 30% (e.g.,a value of “0.3”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node F308 and node D 302. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 312, link E-D. In this embodiment, theadditional traffic corresponds to the previous percentage of additionaltraffic attributed to path 320. Additionally, the matrix 386 indicatesat cell 390 that the point-to-point network path 322 would likelyreceive 100% of the data traffic demand attributed between node F 308and node D 302 (FIG. 3B2).

Finally, with reference to FIG. 3D8, a matrix 392 can be generated thatmodels the effect of data routing for the specified failure scenario forpath 318, link F-G. In a similar manner, all of the inter-node trafficdemands in the model network 300 are illustrated as a cell in the matrix392. As illustrated in FIG. 3D8, the matrix 392 indicates at cell 394that the point-to-point network path 318 would likely receive 50% (e.g.,a value of “0.5”) of the data traffic demand attributed between node E304 and node D 302. This demand was previously attributed topoint-to-point network path 312, link E-D (FIG. 3B2). In thisembodiment, the additional traffic corresponds to the previouspercentage of additional traffic attributed to path 324. The matrix 392indicates at cell 393 that the point-to-point network path 318 wouldlikely receive 100% of the data traffic demand attributed between node F308 and node E 304. 50% of this demand was previously carried bypoint-to-point network path 318, and 50% of this demand was previouslyattributed to point-to-point network path 310, link D-E in FIG. 3B2.Additionally, the matrix 392 indicates at cell 396 that thepoint-to-point network path 318 would receive 100% of the data trafficdemand attributed between node F 308 and node G 306 (FIG. 3B2).

With reference to FIG. 3E, illustratively, the capacity processingcomponent 106 (FIG. 1) applies matrices 350, 356, 362, 368, 374, 380,386 and 392 (FIGS. 3D1-2D8) to the demand estimates 330 (FIG. 3B1) togenerate a new table 400 of estimated network path load for the modelednetwork 300. In this embodiment, capacity processing component 108generates a sum of the application of the matrices 350, 356, 362, 368,374, 380, 386, and 392 to generate the anticipated effect of routingresults based on the modeled failure, table 400. As illustrated in FIG.3E, each network path that would be anticipated to receive an increaseor decrease is identified. Specifically, table 400 includes entries 401,402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, and 410 for each identifiablelink in the modeled network 300 that identify the modeled load for arespective link based on the demand. Accordingly, the modeled load foreach network path illustrates the anticipated effect on the previouslymodeled load in table 339 (FIG. 3B2) responsive to the failure scenario.

In alternative embodiments of the resulting updated matrices of FIGS. 2Eand 3E, the demand can also be represented as a percentage of knowncapacity of the network node/point-to-point network path. Additionally,the resulting value can be compared to threshold levels or percentageslabeled/illustrated with the applied label or category. For example, apoint-to-point network path may be colored in accordance with adetermination of whether the anticipated demand would be below, meet, orexceed thresholds or limits. Additionally, the demand can be expressedin terms of demand below a threshold (e.g., a number of units until thedemand meets a threshold) or demand above a threshold (e.g., a number ofunits that exceed a threshold). Illustratively, the network capacityprocessing system 102 can incorporate standard thresholds or capacitiesfor all nodes. Alternatively, the network capacity processing system 102can incorporate custom thresholds configured specifically for thenetworking and computing equipment at each node or based onconfiguration information provided by the target communication networkadministrator.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a routine 400 for processing network demand dataaccording to failure scenarios implemented by the network capacityprocessing system 102 will be described. At block 402, the networkcapacity processing system 102 obtains or determines demand estimatesbetween network nodes, generally referred to as demand information, fora model target communication network. As previously described, thedemand information may correspond to real time demand information,partial real-time demand information, extrapolated information,statistically processed information, estimated demand in accordance withprojected business cases and made be represented in terms of any unit ofmeasurement. In some embodiments, the demand information may bepopulated with default values or normalized values based on theconfiguration of the model target communication network, similarcommunication networks, or generically applicable information. Thedefault or normalized values may be updated with actual measured valuesor replaced with actual measured values in a real-time or substantiallyreal-time basis. Illustrative tables identifying initial demand and loadestimates were described with regard to FIGS. 2B1 and 2B2 and FIGS. 3B1and 3B2.

At block 404, the network capacity processing system 102 identifies asset of failure scenarios to be applied to the model target communicationnetwork. In one embodiment, the set of failure scenarios can includefailure scenarios for a failure of each point-to-point network path inthe modeled target communication network. In other embodiments, the setof failure scenarios can include failure scenarios for failure ofmultiple point-to-point network paths in the modeled targetcommunication network. For example, the network capacity processingsystem 102 may model the failure of both bi-directional network pathsbetween two nodes, as illustrated generally in FIGS. 2 and 3. In anotherexample, the network capacity processing system 102 may model thefailure of a grouping of directional network paths based on a variety ofgrouping or organizational criteria. In further embodiment, the set offailure scenarios can include failure scenarios for failure of networknodes (and any point-to-point communication paths attached to the failednode(s). In still further embodiment, the failure scenarios can includethe addition of new point-to-point network paths between network nodes,which can still be generally considered to a failure scenario forpurposes of modeling the anticipated routing results. In still anotherembodiment, the set of failure scenarios can include various iterationsof a modeled failure in which one or more weights or inputs that mayinfluence the packet routing protocols are modified. In this embodiment,each separate modification/configuration can be considered a failurescenario in the set of failure scenarios. Alternatively, a set offailure scenarios may be repeated (e.g., the modeling of a failure ofmultiple network paths) for each modification/configuration. Additionalor alternative failure scenarios may also be included.

At block 406, the network capacity processing system 102 determines aset of failure matrices for each failure scenario in the set of failurescenarios. As previously described, each matrix in the set of matricesis reflective of the data packet routing effects that will beexperienced along one or more of the point to point network paths. Aspreviously described, the anticipated failure scenario can be based oncommunication routing protocols in which the routing of data packetsbetween nodes along point-to-point network paths is independent of thecurrent demand at the node. The resulting values in each cell of arespective matrix can correspond to the anticipated proportional effectof the demand at the network path in view of the modeled failurescenario. Illustratively, the values in the various cells of eachrespective matrix are defined as a range of numerical values from zeroto one in which the sum of all the values for any given demand acrossthe set of failure matrices correspond to a value of less than or equalto one. Alternatively, the system may model some loss in demand traffic,such as due to packet drops or a failure of data integrity or failuresthat remove some portion of the systems that generate demand. In suchembodiments, the sum of the range of values in the cells of the matricesmay be less than one. Illustratively, the generation of the set ofmatrices in block 406 may be automated.

At block 408, the network capacity processing system 102 calculates theexpected load between each of the network nodes in the modeledcommunication network for each of the failure scenarios in the set offailure scenarios. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the network capacityprocessing system 102 can apply the set of failure matrices to thedemand information to generate a new table of expected load. Theapplication of the set of matrices to the demand information may be doneautomatically or semi-automatically by the network capacity processingsystem 102.

At block 410, the network capacity processing system 102 processes theset of updated link load projections. In one aspect, the networkcapacity processing system 102 can identify the busiest point-to-pointnetwork path across the multiple failure scenarios. In another aspect,the network capacity processing system 102 can identify the failurescenario that generated the largest increase in load for any networkpath or in which the capacity of any network path will be exceeded. Instill a further aspect, the network capacity processing system 102 cangenerate various user interfaces that graphically illustrate the resultsof at least a portion of set of updated matrices. For example, thenetwork capacity processing system 102 can generate, or causes to begenerated, various graphical representations of model targetcommunication network that identify the results of the processing interms of color, shape, identifiers, or other labels. The networkcapacity processing system 102 can also generate various animations inwhich the changes to load information for one or more paths are animatedon a screen display to illustrate various failure scenarios or toillustrate a time based progression of load information.

In still another aspect, the network capacity processing system 102 cangenerate notifications or communications, such as request for proposals,bids, purchase orders, that include specifications (e.g., demandcapacities) identified in the set of update matrices. For example, thenetwork capacity processing system 102 can identify a minimum capacityfor network nodes or point-to-point network paths to ensure a minimallevel of service. The minimum capacity information can be furtherprovided in a form or notification to facilitate ordering of additionalequipment. In another example, the network capacity processing system102 can initiate, at least in part, the ordering process automatically.In still another example, the network capacity processing system 102 canintegrate with calendaring functionality for scheduling ordering ofnetwork components. In still a further aspect, the network capacityprocessing system 102 can attribute probabilities of exceeded capacityof any node or point-to-point network path based on the set updatematrices. Additional or alternative processing may also be incorporated.

At decision block 412, a test is conducted to determine whether thenetwork capacity processing system 102 will repeat the modeling of theset of failure scenarios according to a different demand estimate ornetwork configurations for the network equipment or routing protocols ofthe model target communication network. As described above, the networkcapacity processing system 102 can model a set of failure scenariosbased on varying demand information. Additionally, the network capacityprocessing system 102 can model a set of failure scenarios based onvarying configurations of the network routing protocols or networkequipment in the model communication network. Accordingly, if thenetwork capacity processing system 102 is to modify the demand estimatesor network routing configurations at decision block 412, the appropriatemodifications are made at block 414 and the routine 400 returns to block404. Alternatively, if the network capacity processing system 100 doesnot need to modify the demand estimates or network routingconfigurations at decision block 412, the routine 400 terminates atblock 416.

With reference to FIG. 5, an illustrative screen display 500corresponding to the illustration of processing of failure scenarios ona model, target communication network. One skilled in the relevant artwill appreciate, however, that the processing of failure scenarios cancorresponds to the generation of numerous screen displays andinterfaces. Accordingly, the screen display 500 is illustrative ofvarious types of information that may be generated on a computing devicecollectively, or individually. Still further, although the screendisplay 500 illustrates various combinations or groupings ofinformation, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate thatalternative combinations or groupings may also be incorporated into ascreen display.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the screen display 500 can include a number ofgraphical representations of the target communication network (orportions thereof) 502, 504, 506, 508. The graphical representations mayinclude one or more categories that identify whether the anticipatedload (based on demand information) can be processed or if one or more ofthe predicted failures will exceed predicted limits or thresholds forone or more the network paths. The graphical representations can alsoinclude labels that identify the total anticipated demand on a networknode or point-to-point network path, the percentage of utilizationcalculated as the quotient of the total anticipated demand on a networknode or point-to-point network path and the predicted limits of therespective network node or point-to-point network path, such asillustrated in graphical representation 502 and 506. The graphicalrepresentations can also include color coding, graphics or labelsreflective of the anticipated total use, percentage of utilization,remaining capacity or exceed capacity, such as illustrated in graphicalrepresentation 504. The graphical representations can also identifyanticipated additional failures or exceeded capacities, such asillustrated in graphical representation 508. As previously discussed, agraphical representation may be animated to demonstrate changes in loador multiple graphical representations may be utilized to illustratevarious stages of utilization of the model target communication networkor to illustrate specific failure scenarios.

The screen display 500 can further include a number of additionalcontrols or displays that provide information associated with one ormore of the processed failure scenarios, such as the busiestpoint-to-point network path 510 or largest failure 512. In oneembodiment, the controls may be used to elicit additional processing bythe network capacity processing system 102. In other embodiments, thecontrols may request additional inputs or configurations by a user. Instill further embodiments, the displays may correspond to previouslyselected or configured information. In another embodiment, the screendisplay can further include a minimum link size table 514 thatidentifies minimum size of each point-to-point network path required toaccommodate for an identified failure scenario or set of failurescenarios or the projected future link sizes required to accommodateforecasted demand, generally at 518-526.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and others that allof the functions described in this disclosure may be embodied insoftware executed by one or more processors of the disclosed componentsand communications devices. The software may be persistently stored inany type of non-volatile storage.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements or steps are in anyway required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodimentsnecessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input orprompting, whether these features, elements or steps are included or areto be performed in any particular embodiment.

Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagramsdescribed herein or depicted in the attached figures should beunderstood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions ofcode which include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. It willfurther be appreciated that the data or components described above maybe stored on a computer-readable medium and loaded into memory of thecomputing device using a drive mechanism associated with a computerreadable storing the computer executable components such as a CD-ROM,DVD-ROM, or network interface further, the component or data can beincluded in a single device or distributed in any manner. Accordingly,general purpose computing devices may be configured to implement theprocesses, algorithms, and methodology of the present disclosure withthe processing or execution of the various data or components describedabove.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to beunderstood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for managing network capacity, themethod comprising: determining demand estimates for a targetcommunication network, the target communication network corresponding toa plurality of network nodes interconnected by point-to-point networkpaths, wherein the demand estimates are based on at least one of adefault demand applied to the plurality of network nodes andpoint-to-point network paths and measured demand at the plurality ofnetwork nodes and point-to-point network paths; identifying a set offailure scenarios for the target communication network; determininganticipated routing results at the plurality of network nodes andpoint-to-point network paths for each failure scenario in the set offailure scenarios, wherein the routing results are based on routingprotocols independent of a demand at each of the plurality of networknodes; calculating load estimates for the target communication networkby applying the anticipated routing results for each failure scenario inthe set of failure scenarios; processing the updated load estimates;generating a first output corresponding to first processed updated loadestimates; modifying a network configuration of the target communicationnetwork based, at least in part, on the first updated load estimates,wherein the network configuration is based on network equipmentassociated with the target communication network; generating a secondoutput corresponding to second processed load estimates for the modifiednetwork configuration of the target communication network.
 2. The methodas recited in claim 1, wherein the set of failure scenarios includes afailure of a point-to-point network path.
 3. The method as recited inclaim 1, wherein the set of failure scenarios includes a failurescenario for a failure of each point-to-point network path in the targetcommunication network.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein theset of failure scenarios includes a modification of at least one aspectof a point-to-point network path.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1,wherein the set of failure scenarios includes a failure of a networknode.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein determininganticipated routing results includes generating a matrices indicative ofa routing of data traffic in each of the point-to-point network pathsbased on an identified failure scenario.
 7. The method as recited inclaim 6, wherein the routing of data traffic is represented as aproportion.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein generating anoutput corresponding to the processed updated demand estimates includescausing the generation of at least one user interface including at leasta portion of the processed updated demand estimates.
 9. The method asrecited in claim 8, wherein generating an output corresponding to theprocessed updated demand estimates includes generating at least onegraphical representation of a failure scenario.
 10. The method asrecited in claim 9, wherein the graphical representation is associatedwith a color, the color indicative of results of the load estimates forthe failure scenario.
 11. A method for managing network capacity, themethod comprising: determining demand estimates for a targetcommunication network, the target communication network having a networkconfiguration corresponding to a plurality of network nodesinterconnected by network paths, wherein the network configuration isbased on network equipment associated with the target communicationnetwork; identifying a set of failure scenarios for the targetcommunication network; determining anticipated routing results betweenthe plurality of network nodes and network paths for at least a subsetof failure scenarios in the set of failure scenarios; calculating loadestimates for network paths associated with the target communicationnetwork by applying the determined anticipated routing results;generating a first output corresponding to a processing of the firstcalculated load estimates; modifying the network configuration of thetarget communication network based, at least in part, on the firstcalculated load estimates; and generating a second output correspondingto a processing of a second calculated load estimates based on themodified network configuration.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11,wherein the demand estimates are based on at least one of a defaultdemand applied to the plurality of network nodes and network paths andmeasured demand at the plurality of network nodes and network paths. 13.The method as recited in claim 11, wherein determining anticipatedrouting results between the plurality of network nodes and network pathsfor at least a subset of failure scenarios in the set of failurescenarios includes determining anticipated routing results at thenetwork paths for each failure scenario in the set of failure scenarios.14. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the anticipated routingresults are based on routing protocols independent of a demand betweeneach of the plurality of network nodes.
 15. The method as recited inclaim 11, wherein the set of failure scenarios includes at least one ofa failure of a network path, a failure of each network path in thetarget communication network, addition of a network path, and a failureof a network node.
 16. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein theset of failure scenarios includes a failure of a grouping of networkpaths.
 17. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein determininganticipated routing results includes generating a matrix indicative of arouting of data traffic in each of the network paths based on anidentified failure scenario.
 18. The method as recited in claim 17,wherein the routing of data traffic is represented as a percentage. 19.The method as recited in claim 11, wherein generating the first orsecond output corresponding to the first or second processed loadestimates includes causing the generation of at least one user interfaceincluding at least a portion of the first or second processed calculatedload estimates.
 20. The method as recited in claim 19, whereingenerating the first or second output corresponding to the first orsecond processed calculated load estimates includes generating at leastone graphical representation of a failure scenario.
 21. The method asrecited in claim 20, wherein the graphical representation is associatedwith a category identification, the category identification indicativeof the results of the calculated load estimates for the failurescenario.
 22. A system for managing network capacity, the systemcomprising: an interface component, implemented on a computing devicecomprising a processor, the interface component operable to obtaindemand estimates for a target communication network having a networkconfiguration, the target communication network corresponding to aplurality of network nodes interconnected by network paths, wherein thenetwork configuration is based on network equipment associated with thetarget communication network; and a network capacity processing systemcomprising a processor and operable to: identify a set of failurescenarios for the target communication network; determine anticipatedrouting results at the plurality of network nodes and network paths forat least a subset of failure scenarios in the set of failure scenarios;and calculate load estimates for network paths associated with thetarget communication network by applying the determined anticipatedrouting results; modify the network configuration based on thecalculated load estimates; and wherein the interface component isfurther operable to generate a first output corresponding to aprocessing of the calculated load estimates and a second outputcorresponding to a processing of the calculated load estimatescorresponding to the modified network configuration.
 23. The system asrecited in claim 22, wherein the demand estimates are based on at leastone of a default demand applied to the plurality of network nodes andnetwork paths and measured demand at the plurality of network nodes andnetwork paths.
 24. The system as recited in claim 22, whereindetermining anticipated routing results at the plurality of networknodes and network paths for at least a subset of failure scenarios inthe set of failure scenarios includes determining anticipated routingresults between the plurality of network nodes and network paths foreach failure scenario in the set of failure scenarios.
 25. The system asrecited in claim 22, wherein the routing results are based on routingprotocols independent of a demand at each of the plurality of networknodes.
 26. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein the set of failurescenarios includes at least one of a failure of a network path, afailure of each network path in the target communication network, anaddition of a network path, a failure of a grouping of network paths,and a failure of a network node.
 27. The system as recited in claim 22,wherein the anticipated routing results include matrices indicative of arouting result of data traffic in the network paths based on a failurescenario.
 28. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein the routingresults are represented as a percentage.
 29. The system as recited inclaim 22, wherein the interface component causes the generation of atleast one user interface including at least a portion of the processedupdated demand estimates.
 30. The system as recited in claim 29, whereingenerating an output corresponding to the processed updated demandestimates includes generating at least one graphical representation of afailure scenario.
 31. The system as recited in claim 30, wherein thegraphical representation is associated with an icon, the icon indicativeof the results of the updated demand estimates for the failure scenario.